It is and it isn’t. Here are several ideas you can use to make your FATC while still doing needlepoint.

1. Use interlock canvas. Because of the construction of the canvas you can cut your needlepoint almost to the edge (leave a margin of one unstitched thread all around) without ravelling.

2. Use counted cross stitch cloth and do needlepoint on it. I used to do this all the time and it is pretty easy, if a bit strange at first. It’s more like stitching on perforated paper or plastic canvas than needlepoint canvas.

3. Use plastic canvas or perforated paper. If you do this, be sure you arte comfortable with the color of the paper or plastic.

4. Use silk gauze. It comes in meshes as large as 18 and is woven not to ravel.

5. Use fiberglass screen. This makes a cool, almost transparent background. Just be sure to leave one “thread” unstitched all around. Also do not carry threads, they are very visible.

For the background of your FATC, think of card weight paper, or cardbaord covered with paper or fabric, use rectangles of blasa wood, or even old playing cards. Or just make a “quilt” with fabric on the back and whipstitched to the needlework on the front.

Related posts:

1. Random Thoughts on Needlepoint
2. Needlepoint & Social Networking
3. Got Some Leftover Plastic Canvas and Need a Fast Gift?
4. Clever Stitching Gadgets
5. Deciphering Needlepoint Canvas

Now it’s your turn to participate.

Since this is a new thing, we’ll only have four exchanges this year, one each quarter. For each exchange there will be a theme, picked by one of the participants or a designer. You will be paired with a person. By the deadline, you will send your FATC to your partner. That person will send an FATC to you.
To Join just send me an email (napaneedlepoint @ gmail.com – remove spaces) before February 29, 2008 and let me know. I’ll put your on the list and send you an acknoledgment.

Each exchange you will be paired with a different partner.

The rules are these:
1. FATCs must be 2.5″ x 3.5″ and the design can be finished as either portrait or landscape.
2. All pieces must be finished. Instructions for some ideas for making and finishing will be in an article tomorrow.
3. Pieces must be some kind of hand-done needlework, although they do not have to be needlepoint.
4. Pieces must fit the stated theme, which can be a subject, thread, or even a color.
5. You need to scan your piece before you send it to your partner and send the scan to me. Please note when you do that you must tell me if it is original work or not. If the work is original you give permission for it to be displayed in our Needlework FATC Gallery.
6. If you cannot participate in a quarter’s exchange you must email me in advance to be removed from the list.

Related posts:

1. TNNA Preview – Fiber Artists Trading Cards
2. Stash Destashing
3. Getting Needlepoint Done
4. Needlepoint Goals for 2009